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Meetings · part 2 — making your point

Challenge an idea constructively and keep on track.

建設的に意見を投げかけ、話を本筋に保てるようになりましょう。

Key English phrases

Let me play devil's advocate: ~.
Have we considered ~?
Let's not get sidetracked by ~.
Let's stay focused on ~.

Example conversation

AEveryone seems happy with the plan.
BLet me play devil's advocate: have we considered the cost?
AGood question.
BI'm not against it — I just don't want surprises.
AFair. Let's not get sidetracked by small details, though.
BAgreed. Let's stay focused on the budget.

In context

Listen to someone challenging an idea well. 'I like the plan, but let me play devil's advocate: have we really considered the cost? I'm not trying to block it — I just want to avoid surprises. That said, let's not get sidetracked by tiny details today. Let's stay focused on the big decision: do we have the budget?'

When to use it · practice

Everyone agrees too fast. Test the idea constructively.
全員がすぐ賛成しています。建設的にアイデアを検証しましょう。
The talk is drifting. Bring it back.
話がそれています。本筋に戻しましょう。
You want to refocus the group. Name the main point.
グループを集中させたいです。本題を示しましょう。

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